I wondered whether we could do anything for her." Cecilia's hearing was too excellent to miss the tone of Hilary's reply: "Oh, thank you; I don't think so." "I fancied perhaps you might feel that our Society---hers is an unsatisfactory profession for young girls!" Cecilia saw the back of Hilary's neck grow red.

She turned her head away.
"Of course, there are many very nice models indeed," said the voice of Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace.

"I don't mean that they are necessarily at all--if they're girls of strong character; and especially if they don't sit for the--the altogether." Hilary's dry, staccato answer came to Cecilia's ears: "Thank you; it's very kind of you." "Oh, of course, if it's not necessary.

Your wife's picture was so clever, Mr.Dallison--such an interesting type." Without intention Cecilia found herself before that picture.

It stood with its face a little turned towards the wall, as though somewhat in disgrace, portraying the full-length figure of a girl standing in deep shadow, with her arms half outstretched, as if asking for something.